Star Wars: Then and Now

As we eagerly await the return of Harrison Ford in 'The Force Awakens', we take a look at what some the original Star Wars cast members have been doing since starring in the 1977 sci-fi fantasy epic.

1. Han Solo

Harrison Ford will always be remembered for playing the hunky Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon and one of the great leaders of the Rebel Alliance.

2. Harrison Ford

Since the original Star Wars flick in 1977, Harrison Ford has gone on to become a Hollywood icon having starred in a string of blockbusters such as 'Blade Runner' and the 'Indiana Jones' series. The 72-year-old actor has five children and has been married three times with his most recent marriage to Calista Flockhart dating back to 2010. He will return to the series for 'The Force Awakens' later this year.

3. Luke Skywalker

Mark Hamill became our biggest crush when he took on the role of Luke Skywalker, a Tatooine farmboy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest Jedi of the galaxy.

4. Mark Hamill

Shortly after starring in 'Star Wars' and it's two sequels 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi', Mark Hamill went on to star in a number of films through the 70s and 80s such as 'Corvette Summer' and 'Slipstream' before taking on the voice of The Joker in 'Batman: The Animation Series' from 1992 to 1995. The 63-year-old actor's recent works include 'Kinsgman: The Secret Service' and he will return the Star Wars series for 'The Force Awakens' in December 2015.

5. Princess Leia

Known for her iconic hairstyle and THAT famous bikini, Carrie Fisher became some what of a sex symbol following her stint as Princess Leia Organa, one of the Rebel Alliance’s greatest leaders dedicated to ending the tyranny of the Empire. Picture: PA

6. Carrie Fisher

Since hanging up her famed bikini, Carrie Fisher, 58, has turned her hand to writing and has penned bestselling novel 'Postcards from the Edge' in addition to her autobiographical one-woman play and nonfiction book 'Wishful Drinking'. Believe it or not, Fisher also shared a close relationship with James Blunt and the singer spent a lot of time at her residence whilst recording his hit album 'Back To Bedlam' in 2003! Carrie, will also return for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' this year.

7. Obi Wan-Kenobi

Just like the legendary actor Alec Guinness, Obi Wan-Kenobi was a master of his craft. As a noble man gifted in the ways of the Force, the esteemed Jedi Master was responsible for training Anakin Skywalker and acting as a mentor Luke Skywalker in the films.

8. Sir Alec Guinness (1938-2000)

Depsite landing himself a 'Best Supporting Actor' Academy Award nomination for his role as Obi Wan-Kenobi, Sir Alec Guinness had a love hate relationship with his attachment to the Star Wars franchise, later agreeing to do a second film on the condition he would not participate in any promotion. Outside of his achievements on the big screen, Guinness - who has a son with wife Merula Sylvia Salaman - resided in Hampshire before passing away of liver cancer in 2000.

9. Darth Vader

James Earl Jones' voice as the terrifying Darth Vader will always make us shudder. In the film, the iconic villain was a heroic Jedi Knight who became a Sith Lord after being seduced by the dark side of the Force. His sole intention was leading the empire to wipe out the Jedi Order.

10. James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones has become some what of a legend on the big screen, now known just as much for his acting skills as his gravelly voice. The 83-year-old actor's bellowing vocals were used to bring King Mufasa to life in Disney animation 'The Lion King' in 1995.

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